There comes a time when everyone takes a look in the mirror and thinks I could do with a new look, but it can be difficult to know just where to start.

The problem is made worse by the shops being packed with so many styles and colours, with the trends constantly changing.
Farnborough-based Sushil Ebbage is an image consultant who can guide the unwary through the minefield of style and fashion.

Her clients can emerge victorious, looking fabulous and brimming with new-found confidence.

There can be many reasons why a person seeks the advice of an image consultant, but it is usually triggered by a life-change.

Sushil said: “I advise all kinds of people, such as housewives and students entering the world of work, women who are recently divorced and getting back on the dating scene, or someone preparing for a special event such as a wedding.

“Most of my clients are women, but I do give consultations to men as well, for example if they have been promoted at work or are looking for a new job.

“Men are interesting. They apparently have fewer options available, but when you think about it there are so many choices they can make — single vent jackets or double, stripes or checks, different coloured ties, shoe styles and so on.

“I also do workshops for groups of people, giving general advice and helping them to learn how to manage their wardrobes.”

Makeovers, of course, are all the rage on television and, although these programmes have raised awareness of the importance of looking good and what can be achieved, Sushil insists her approach is very different.

“If I behaved like Trinny and Susannah, I wouldn’t have a client left,” she said.

“I don’t say ‘you must not do this’ but more ‘this is what you can achieve’ and I will show people how to go about it.

“It’s about building confidence and bringing someone out of their shell.”

For those wanting image advice, Sushil offers colour analysis and style consultations.

These can be done simultaneously or separately according to the client’s requirements and what they can afford.

However, both start with a pre-consultation questionnaire to give Sushil an idea of the person’s colouring, height and body type before the appointment.

“If a client is having a colour analysis, I take them into the studio, remove their make-up and drape different colours over them so they can see the different effects in the mirror,” said Sushil.

“I explain how the various colours work for them and that everyone can wear all colours. It is just a question of getting the shade right.”

Colour can be analysed in a tonal or seasonal way, and each one is described as being warm or cool. Cool colours have a blue base and warm ones have a yellow base.

Sushil will show clients how to combine and wear colours they like.

“People are often wary of colour and tend to stick to black, but it is not the only neutral colour,” she Sushil.

“When you start adding colour, try small amounts at first to build confidence. For example a scarf or necklace is great for softening black, which can be harsh when worn near the face, or for giving a lift to beige or brown.

“You can wear your best colours near your face and the ones which don’t suit you so well, below the waist. It isn’t a question of ‘not to’ but rather ‘how to’.

“To complete the look, I will advise on make-up and suitable hair styles, as well as defining the client’s face shape so they know what type of hat or jewellery to wear. ”

But Sushil appreciates that we are all individuals and that what we wear is an expression of our inner self, so she will also consider what type of person her client is, as well as their lifestyle.

“We all have a clothes personality,” she said. “We may have several, but there will be one which dominates.

"For example, a dramatic person can wear bold prints and colours, another might like a classical, structured style, or perhaps a floaty, feminine look might be a person’s choice.

“If a client chooses which personalities make her feel comfortable, then defining her style is much easier.”

Having decided on a personality, Sushil can then advise on the types of clothes suitable for that person’s body type and explain how they can put colours together to create a flattering look.

She continued: “I don’t weigh or measure clients, but I use lengths of ribbon to show them their body proportions. Within this, there are some rules you have to follow and your shape and proportions will dictate how you should wear your clothes and your colours.

“The idea is to create a slim, elongated look. So if you have wide hips, don’t break colours at that level, as you will simply draw attention to them.

“It’s all about accentuating the positive and disguising the negative. For example, I would give neckline advice for people with small or large busts, or recommend a best trouser length if someone has very short legs.

“Similarly, the most flattering patterns to wear will depend on a person’s scale as well as their body line.”

But knowing your ideal colours and style are of little use if you don’t know how to buy clothes or manage your wardrobe, and Sushil can offer help with these aspects too.

Each style consultation finishes with a trip to the shops where Sushil will show clients the type of clothes they should consider buying and the ones they should avoid.

“I will always bear in mind a client’s budget, but I will also remind them that certain key pieces, such as jackets and trousers, are investments and should not be skimped on.

“High fashion items are not worth spending large sums on, as they are here today and gone tomorrow,” she said.

“I also advise people to pick and choose between trends — and there are so many these days — but if they are particularly keen on a specific trend which perhaps doesn’t suit them, I will show them how to adapt it in some way.

“This could be by wearing a lower hem or heel, or by adding an accessory, such as a bag or belt, in that trend.

“I will teach clients how to ‘read’ pictures in magazines, so they are able to take catwalk ideas on to the high street when they shop and adapt them.

"There are lots of chain store imitations of designer styles, so it is not difficult to do once you know how.”

Of course, having a style makeover means not just adding new items to your wardrobe, but also ditching some of the ones already in it.

At a consultation, Sushil will ask her client to try on all their clothes and then explain why each item does and doesn’t work — if it is wrong, then it’s off to a charity shop with it.

“If something fits well but the colour is wrong, I will give ideas on how the garment can be worn, but if it is completely wrong in every way, then I’m afraid it has to go,” said Sushil.

“My aim is to move people out of their comfort zone a little and get them to try new things. I also encourage them to think for themselves and not be pushed into buying something by a shop assistant.

“If they are unsure, they can say they want to think about it. Once you have the confidence and knowledge to know what suits you, those expensive clothing mistakes will become a thing of the past.”